. >>> warfare has gone hi-tech these days, but even with all the technology you still need boots on the ground during combat. at quantico marine base just outside of the district troops are being trained for the front lines. fox 5's sherri ly joined them on the firing range. >> reporter: this is warfare. >> 1032. >> reporter: live mortar rounds launching. >> alpha alpha 1027 fire when red ditch. >> reporter: and howlitzers firing, in places like afghanistan marine sergeant zachary meyers knows firsthand these are the tools of trade in combat. >> most of the marine sleep around the gun are around the gun and are there within seconds. >> stand by. fire. fire. fire. >> reporter: they're using real weapons with real munitions all just 40 miles away from washington at marine corps base quantico. >> the same type they would use in theaters somewhere depending on the situation. >> reporter: these big guns can hit a target 25 miles away with gps guidance and level a building. that's why every precaution is taken to prevent something from going off target. >> there's no room for error at all. >>